Jets play well, but lose 1-0 in season opener Saturday

WATERFORD, MI - Colin McAuliffe's goal late in the first period was all Cleveland needed as the Jr. Lumberjacks skated to a 1-0 win over the Metro Jets at Lakeland Arena Saturday night in both team's Central States Hockey League opener.

On the goal, Tyler Preston won an offensive zone draw back to McAuliffe, who put the shot over the left shoulder of Metro goalie Allan Dowler at the 15:26 mark.

Other than the goal, the game was pretty quiet and uneventful.

"I'm not pleased about losing, but from the time I got here and with the players we've brought in, I think it's a step forward," Jets head coach Jason Cirone said. "But by no means am I satisfied."

Shots on goal were even at 25 apiece.

Mike Parda earned the win in goal for Cleveland with the shutout.

Metro held the Jr. Lumberjacks scoreless in four power play chances.

The Jets will now re-group and head to Toledo for a 2:30 matinee Sunday afternoon, also the Cherokee's season opener.

"You go home and you forget about tonight," said Cirone. "Tomorrow, we'll wake up, the sun will come up, and hopefully, we go to Toledo and we get our first win."

After the Toledo game, the Jets are on the road for two at Queen City Sept. 18-19 and then for a single game in Burton, Mich., against the Michigan Mountain Cats on Sept. 25 before coming home on Oct. 2 to host Flint.